2 programs, side by side

Rows marked with a dot are where these differ. Everything is each university’s own published wording; the “your average” row is yours, calculated the way each program does it.

	Waterloo Software Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WSO Remove	McMaster Business I OUAC MB Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	90–97%“Low- to mid-90s”	83–90%“Mid- to high-80s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)	English 4U Advanced Functions 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U
More than marks?supplementary application	Yes NEW: All Engineering program applications require an online video interview. You will receive more information after you apply. An Admission Information Form is also required. We will send you instructions when we acknowledge your application. Experience in developing well-structured, modular programs is required, as demonstrated by at least 1 of the following: strong performance in a programming course such as ICS3U, ICS4U or equivalent; strong performance in a programming contest; significant work experience; other (must be explained on the Admission Information Form). Usually closes before January 15	Yes OUAC Application Deadline: April 1, 2027 *Some programs may stay open beyond this deadline, depending on capacity. It is recommended to apply as soon as possible. An optional supplementary application form is available for applicants who feel that their admission average might be close to or below the quoted range. Usually closes before January 15
Co-op	Available	Available
Degree	—	Bachelor of Commerce, BCom, Bachelor of Commerce, BComm
First-year intakewhere published	127	800
What you study	Artificial Intelligence Computer Science Information Systems Information Technology	Accounting Business Studies Finance Human Resource Management
What it is	You study how to design, build, and maintain large software systems using engineering principles and mathematics. This co-op stream requires you to alternate between classroom terms and paid work terms in industry, giving you real project experience alongside your degree. It suits people who want hands-on experience, enjoy problem-solving with code, and are ready to balance school with regular full-time work placements.	A Bachelor of Commerce is a four-year business degree where you study accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and management. McMaster's program includes a mandatory co-op work term, so you alternate between classroom learning and paid work experience at real companies. This program suits people who want broad business knowledge and practical work experience before entering the job market.
The door tomajors you reach through it	software engineering	accounting commerce/business finance marketing
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them
Source	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	McMaster University on OUInfo

Also compare with

Same subject area and a similar published range, at a campus you have not got in the table yet.

Ranges are what each university publishes, not guaranteed cutoffs, and limited-enrolment programs often admit above them. Confirm anything you are about to act on with the university; each column links to its source.